Tips For The Winning Nonprofit Cover Letter

This article provides information on Tips For The Winning Nonprofit Cover Letter

There are a number of application changes that must be made when applying for a job in the nonprofit sector. One of the most central aspects in making sure that an applicant new to nonprofit employment be made aware of is that of the cover letter. The true nature of the cover letter is key to bridging the gap in employment from industry to nonprofit industry or from for profit to profit positions. This said, you must realize its importance and make sure not to use the same old, tired cover letter you have been using for all jobs. Here are the best tips on writing a cover letter that wins the interview, and hopefully secures the position.

Why?
The first thing you should address in a cover letter being sent as a part of an application for a nonprofit position is why you want to first, work for this mission and second, why you want to work for this particular nonprofit. Consider your experience, the value and need of the goals, and also the specific initiatives of the nonprofit you are applying for. While this question of why do you want to work for us is a common one in all types of jobs and industries, the why should be answered in a more specific and mission-oriented method than one of for profit positions. This is because those working and hiring in nonprofits are in it not for money, but for the service it provides-and this should come across very clearly in your cover letter.

Transferable Skills
It is not enough to just have a passion for the mission and the nonprofit that is hiring for a particular position; you must also be able to offer them skills and experience to help them with their objectives. This said, you need to be able to make a connection in your cover letter between what your education and hands on training and experience offers the nonprofit. This coupled with the passion for the cause serves to connect a for profit or an out of industry experience with their open position or their need for work.

Be Real
Though with many for profit positions, you are often prompted to be as professional and impressive as possible, with a nonprofit position, you want to be less corporate and buzz wordy and more down to earth. The folks hiring and working in the nonprofit world have made the choice to make less and work harder for the sake of an overall cause; and so, they have no need for the corporate formalities. Be down to earth, and if you have a personal connection to the cause that they serve, do not be afraid to explain it in your cover letter briefly-as it will make you more genuine and a better candidate for their position.